As a Doctor of Ministry graduate of Duke Divinity School, Tarsha Banister (’24) exemplifies how theological education can empower transformative and innovative leadership in complex and deeply impactful fields.
Serving as the faith & health education manager at Wake Forest University School of Divinity’s Faith COMPASS Center, Bannister works at the intersection between faith-based leadership and public health advocacy. The center works to advance the capacity and resiliency of faith communities to address health disparities around HIV/AIDS in the U.S. South.
“Through storytelling, educational programs, and strategic partnerships, we work with faith communities to combat stigma and foster life-enhancing possibilities,” Banister explains. “This role allows me to collaborate with Christian and interfaith partners, helping them better understand and address health challenges in their communities.”
Gaining a Framework for Ministry Leadership
Banister credits her time at Duke Divinity School for preparing her to navigate the intersection of faith and public health with both theological depth and practical expertise.
“The D.Min. program at Duke Divinity School equipped me to lead transformative initiatives like those at Wake Forest University School of Divinity’s Faith COMPASS Center,” she says.
“The program’s emphasis on integrating theological reflection with practical ministry provided a foundation for addressing complex health challenges in faith contexts.”
Central to her Duke experience was the opportunity to delve into scripture, tradition, and contemporary leadership theory, which gave her the tools to develop innovative strategies for ministry. One class in particular stands out as especially formative: Theology of Christian Leadership.
In this course, Banister explored Christ’s threefold office—priestly, royal, and prophetic—as a framework for ministry. “Through a theological exploration of the priestly, royal, and prophetic dimensions of leadership, I gained valuable insights into how Christ’s example can shape inclusive and transformative leadership,” she says.
This framework continues to inform her approach to leadership development and community engagement.
Relational Leadership in Practice
Reflecting on her Duke Divinity experience, Banister highlights the cohort model as one of the program’s most rewarding aspects.
“The opportunity to engage with faith leaders deeply committed to transformative leadership in their communities was invaluable,” she says. These connections of “Holy Friends” offered a source of encouragement and accountability.
“Holy Friends challenge the sins we have come to love, affirm the gifts we are hesitant to embrace, and inspire us to dream dreams we might not have dared to dream on our own,” Banister explains, quoting former Dean L. Gregory Jones.
These friendships not only enriched her personal and professional growth but also fostered a network of collaboration that continues to support her work. For Banister, the experience affirmed the importance of courage, boldness, and compassion in faithfully pursuing her call to serve humanity.
Her current role has also revealed the profound impact of relational leadership. “The practical realities of building community trust and navigating cultural dynamics taught me that effective leadership starts with deep listening,” she says.
By fostering strategic partnerships and creating spaces for collaboration and mutual respect, Banister has been able to address sensitive and challenging health disparities with both compassion and efficacy.